Karen R. Thompson, a seventh generation Texan and native Austinite, moved to the Round Rock area in 1966 when she married David L Thompson. She had been researching and writing history since the fifth grade at Casis Elementary School in Austin where she grew up. She was greatly influenced by the photographs taken by her grandfather, Charles P. Luck, a photographer from the 1890s to the 1930s.

She attended the University of Texas at Austin and St. Edward's University after graduating from Leander High School in 1962. After more than two decades with the I.R.S., she plans on retiring in 2004. She has been a professional genealogist and teacher for many years.

She has been active in civic and community affairs, especially the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Williamson County Historical Commission, and is a founder of Westwood Community School. A Round Rock ISD school plaque in her honor reads, "Dedicated to Karen R. Thompson, historian and preserver of the lessons from the past, in appreciation of her valuable contributions to the schools and community of RRISD. Her attention to the past reflects her devotion to the future."

Karen and her husband David reside in Leander. Their daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Jonathan Howell, are currently restoring the historic 1871 Pickle-Mason house in Leander. Also in Leander, son David Mason resides in an historic home built about 1906 by his great grandfather A. L. Mason. Grandson Cassidy Thompson is a tenth generation Texan.